This decision concerns the youth sentencing of J.S., who was found guilty of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and sexual assault after a jury trial.
The Crown's application to sentence J.S. as an adult was previously dismissed.
The court applied the principles of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), emphasizing accountability, rehabilitation, and reintegration, while also considering the diminished moral blameworthiness of youth.
Aggravating factors included intimate partner violence, use of a weapon, unprovoked attack, victim vulnerability, serious injuries, and the offender leaving the victim to die.
Mitigating factors included no prior record and a pro-social life.
The court imposed a blended youth sentence, balancing denunciation and deterrence with rehabilitation, resulting in secure custody, open custody, and community supervision.